Canada is the latest country to join a U.S. initiative that seeks to promote LGBTI rights around the world. The State Department and the Canadian government in a May 17 press release that announced Canada joined the Global Equality Fund said both countries “recognize that protecting and respecting human rights is the responsibility of all governments, and that the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons are not different or separate from the human rights of anyone else.” The press release also notes Canada’s contribution to the fund will specifically provide “emergency assistance to LGBTI persons under threat of violence.” “Through the Global Equality Fund, like-minded governments, foundations and corporations provide support to civil society organizations working to promote the inclusion of and respect for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or sex characteristics,” it reads.